A truck stop is essentially a self-contained oasis designed to meet the needs of truckers and their big rigs as they travel the highways. A typical truck stop provides a fueling station with diesel fuel, a 24 hour restaurant for hunger truckers, a convenience store for snacks and beverages and often a motel for truckers who must get off the road for rest.

Original truck stops were strictly the domain of truck drivers, and generally off limits to passenger vehicles and tourists. Many truckers develop a camaraderie amongst themselves which would not be compatible with a family environment, and truck stop diners tended to be smoke-filled greasy spoons with limited menus.

Eventually the truck stop evolved into a more ecumenical entity known as a travel center. Truckers could still park their big rigs in special lots and enjoy a meal in the diner, but passenger vehicles and tour buses were encouraged to visit as well. A modern truck stop often features national restaurant franchises, game rooms, shower facilities and full-service garages for repairs.

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Truck stops tend to be located near interstate highway off-ramps or other major traffic arteries away from developed areas. Truckers who travel the same routes regularly tend to know the locations of every truck stop along the way, and they often designate a particular truck stop as a preferred place to stop for the night or socialize with other truckers in the diner. Finding a convenient truckstop can also help truckers plan out their fuel stops or meal breaks while on company time.

An authentic truck stop, as opposed to the modern travel center, may be notoriously short on amenities. The operators of a truck stop generally understand the needs of their regular clientele, so their services may all be geared towards long-haul truckers, not the general public. It may be difficult or impossible for a passenger vehicle to purchase regular gasoline at a truck stop which caters to all-diesel big rigs, for example.

Discuss this Article

mobilian33Post 4

I have heard that truck stops can be seedy places. I read a story in the local paper recently about how prostitutes and drug dealers hang around these places because truckers are some of their best customers. I would be careful about stopping at these places. Single women traveling alone and at night should avoid them all together.

DrentelPost 3

@Laotionne - To answer your question, truck stop restaurants used to have a reputation for some good food, but I guess that depends on your tastes. Truck stop food is not going to be confused for fine dining, but if you are looking for good diner food then you shouldn't be disappointed.

Truckers spend a lot of time on the road, and one thing they want when they stop is a good meal. The meals at truck stops are often fried and loaded with fat, but they are popular. Like this article says, true truck stops are hard to find now a days because they have been included with general rest areas.

You find a lot of chain fast food restaurants in place of the old truck stop restaurants in the new rest areas, so the food isn't all that special or different from what you get anywhere else along the highway.

LaotionnePost 1

I have heard that truck stops have some of the best food you can find when you are traveling on the highway. I have yet to stop at one. Is there anyone out there who knows about truck stop food?

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